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An unlit chalice on a church altar

Unitarian Universalists honor and celebrate a wide range of holidays and occasions over the course of a year. Unlike other faith traditions that use a single lectionary (a collection of scripture readings appointed for a given day or occasion), the topics and themes for Unitarian Universalist worship services are usually chosen independently by worship leaders in congregations. These include unique UU traditions, like the Flower Ceremony, as well as holidays from other faith traditions, such as Christmas or Beltane.

View and download the 2023-24 UUA Worship Calendar (PDF), which includes faith-based and secular holidays that UU congregations often celebrate. The calendar also includes monthly worship themes used in popular theme-based ministry programs. To download or print, follow the link and use the File menu, then select the Landscape layout option.

LEADER RESOURCE 2 Rituals to Welcome a New Child
a medieval window from the Burrell Collection in Glasgow, Scotland, depicting the Nativity
Islamic prayer beads or Subha inside the Süleymaniye Moque (Istanbul).
An altar filled with candles, photos, and flowers

Search Words for Worship Services

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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11

  • The number "2023" with vintage letterpress printing blocks on rustic wooden background
    I’m proud to belong to a living religious tradition that embraces evolution, both scientifically and spiritually.
    Reflection | By Tim Atkins | January 4, 2023 | From Braver/Wiser
    Tagged as: Beginnings, New Year, Spiritual Practice, Worship
  • "2021" is written in the snow on a gravel surface outdoors.
    What’s the one word you hope will define your upcoming year?
    Reflection | By Tim Atkins | December 30, 2020 | From Braver/Wiser
    Tagged as: Choice, Discernment, Identity, New Year, Spiritual Practice, Worship
  • In the background, letters are piled on a Scrabble board. In the foreground, someone holds the "C" tile as the letters "R E A T E" fall towards the board.
    One of my most treasured New Year’s traditions is coming up with a word for the year: a single word that I want to be the theme for my entire year. When I’m questioning what’s the right thing to do, I will look to my word of the year for guidance.
    Reflection | By Tim Atkins | January 1, 2020 | From Braver/Wiser
    Tagged as: 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Beginnings, Direct Experience, Integrity, Letting Go, New Year, Purpose, Spiritual Practice, Vision
  • The Kanuti River winds through banks of golden trees in autumn on the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.
    There are so many spiritual lessons from the natural world and—in a season filled with Ingatherings and Water Communions—this is one for me: oxbow lakes as a beautiful combination of resiliency, strength, and flexibility.
    Reflection | By Tim Atkins | September 11, 2019 | From Braver/Wiser
    Tagged as: Beginnings, Direct Experience, Discernment, Earth, Earth-Centered, Environment, Homecoming / Ingathering, Journey, Nature, Power, Strength, Water Communion
  • On a teal background, a white cup of coffee and the message: "I love you more than fair trade coffee... almost."
    Image | By Tim Atkins, Jessica Ferguson | February 9, 2018 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Food, Love, Playfulness, Valentine's Day
  • A white heart in a green circle. White text on red background: "You are the answer to my prayers... meditations, and/or moments of quiet reflection."
    Image | By Tim Atkins, Jessica Ferguson | February 9, 2018 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Gratitude, Valentine's Day
  • A white message on red field, with text boxes: "Every day I thank (please check one) God, The Universe, The Unnamed, The Spirit, Earth Mother, All of the Above, None of the Above... FOR YOU
    Image | By Tim Atkins, Jessica Ferguson | February 9, 2018 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Agnosticism, Atheism, God, Gratitude, Love, Paganism, Playfulness, Unitarian Universalism, Valentine's Day
  • A teal background with red heart and white text: "Will you join the committee of my heart?"
    Image | By Tim Atkins, Jessica Ferguson | February 9, 2018 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Love, Playfulness, Valentine's Day, Work
  • On a red field, two white cartoon birds kissing with text: "I love you more than thoreau loved the woods"
    Image | By Tim Atkins, Jessica Ferguson | February 9, 2018 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Valentine's Day
  • a red field with gray spider web and white text: "Let's let our interconnected WEBS interconnect, baby."
    Image | By Tim Atkins, Jessica Ferguson | February 9, 2018 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Interdependence, Love, Playfulness, Valentine's Day
  • A silhouette of cupid on a red field with white text: "We go together like a flame and a chalice."
    Image | By Tim Atkins, Jessica Ferguson | February 9, 2018 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Valentine's Day